Oso: How to help

As the community rallies in the wake of the mudslide that devastated the Darrington-Oso area, many people are looking for ways to help.

Dine for Darrington

Tuesday, April 1, Tuscano’s Italian Kitchen in Monroe will donate all profits, and the workers all wages, to support search efforts in the Oso area. The fundraiser runs from 5-9 p.m. Proceeds will go to several local charities that are involved in helping. Results of the fundraiser will go on the restaurant’s Facebook page. For more information, call (360) 805-5453 or email Kelly@TuscanosItalian.com.

Four things: The following Facebook post was put up by Monroe Firefighters #3315

This has been a grim and difficult few days for all involved, and we would like to express our utmost sympathy for those who will have to endure the pain of losing a loved one forever. Here are four things you can do in the aftermath:

1) Hug your loved ones and let them know how special they are. If you pray, say a prayer together for the lost.

2) Help with this list of needs, posted on the Ron and Don Show website, from KIRO Radio. You can drop items off in Arlington or at ANY Les Schwab store; they will get things up there.

Non-perishable food (everything)

Baby items (diapers, baby formula)

Heavy duty work gloves

Shovels

Power saws

Work boots

Duct tape

Gas gift cards (no ATMs work in the area)

Tylenol

Ibuprofen

Chainsaw bar oil

Two-stroke oil

Gas in cans

You bring it; we’ll get it up there.

You can drop off donations at:

Senior Aerospace AMT

20100 71st Ave. N.E.

Arlington, WA 98223

You can also call Ed Russell directly at (425) 308-2549 to discuss how to help.

3) Make a donation to the American Red Cross; they are “all-in” during this rescue effort. Check out their website: http://www.redcross.org/news/article/Red-Cross-Responds-to-Washington-Mudslide

4) If your son or daughter goes to Salem Woods, they have started a coin drive. Kids can make a difference.

The Search and Rescue effort will be continuing for a quite a while. Let’s show the Oso, Arlington, and Darrington communities that Monroe stands with them in this terrible time.

Give to the United Way

The following letter from 1st District Representative Suzan DelBene suggests contributing to United Way of Snohomish County:

The mudslide that occurred last Saturday morning on State Route 530 near Oso and Darrington has been a tragic and heartbreaking disaster, affecting thousands in Snohomish County. My thoughts and prayers are with all those who have been impacted by the mudslide and my deepest condolences go out to the families who have lost loved ones or are still missing. I’m also grateful for the work of our first responders, who have put their own lives at risk as they work to help others.

I’ve heard from many folks over the last few days asking how they can support those who are impacted by this disaster and right now one of the best ways is to contribute to the United Way of Snohomish County in their ongoing relief efforts.

To donate, visit https://ssl.charityweb.net/uwsc/?custom8=LandSlide.

Every dollar you give will go directly to help those impacted by the devastating mudslide.

In times like this it’s critical that we stand together, helping our neighbors in need. As I’ve spent time with these communities doing what I can to help, I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous strength and compassion of the people of Oso, Darrington and Arlington. Everyone has stepped up to help in any way they can and they are truly inspiring.

Thank you for any assistance you can give to those affected by this terrible tragedy.

Sincerely,

Suzan

Volunteer in Oso

The following Facebook post written by a volunteer details how to actually assist at the landslide site in Oso:

If you are planning to work on the relief effort, please adhere to the 10 points noted below:

1. Report to the Oso Fire Station by 7:30 a.m. to sign in. Ask for Cindy and she will check you in and assign you to a team.

2. Attend the mandatory daily briefing meeting at 8 a.m. to receive the latest situational report. This meeting is closed to media.

5. Don’t bother with bringing food or drinks. There is enough to feed an army, or in this case, the Washington Air Force National Guard. When you arrive you will quickly discover that you will have 8-10 mothers making sure you stay fed and hydrated. Gluten-free and dairy-free options available. No alcohol.

6. The professional rescue and recovery teams have started to scale back their efforts, so the recovery efforts will involve more and more volunteers over time.

7. This is a hazardous material event. Lots of oil, gas, propane, PAHs, VOCs, sewage, transformers, human remains, etc. on site. So note that you will need to take the necessary precautions while in the field, and you will need to go through a decontamination line to leave the area. No smoking.

8. Please plan on spending no more than two days here. It’s a mentally, physically, spiritually, and emotionally taxing place. We all have had our moments.

9. You be working in swamp-like conditions, with mud knee to hip-deep. If your boots are not duct taped to your person, you’re going to have issues.

10. Please tell your loved ones when they can expect you to return home and that you love them.